Botox Treatment

8/5/11

Wednesday Bernie had the botox injections, everything went well. The doctor said it would be about 4 weeks until we see the full effect if indeed it helps him. He could have one of two issues going on with his eyes the first being:
Apraxia of the eyelid - is a disorder caused by damage to specific areas of the cerebrum. Apraxia is characterized by loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned purposeful movements, despite having the desire and the physical ability to perform the movements. It is a disorder of motor planning, thus difficulty in opening the eyes.

And second;
Blepharospasm - is a muscle disorder that causes involuntary spasms of the muscles around your eye. These spasms can result in uncontrolled narrowing or closing of your eyelid. This could impair your vision, and make everyday tasks such as driving or using a computer difficult.
Early symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, you could have blepharospasm:
Dry eyes or watering eyes
Light sensitivity
Increased blinking
Ocular pain
Soreness

We are hoping for the later because the injection don’t usually help with apraxia because that is essentially a brain issue where as the blepharospasm will be helped by the injection. It causes the spasms to halt so opening of the eyes is easier, although it only last for 3 to 4 months so the injections will have to be routine.
Bernie received a total of 10 injections one at the bottom of each eye one at the outside corners of each eye two on the top eyelid of each eye and finally two in the area between the eyes. Besides a slight discomfort at the injection site and a few droplets of blood it was relatively painless. I will say that I do notice a difference already at the area between his eyes, it is much more relaxed and no scowling. I will keep you posted as the weeks go by on whether it has helped him to keep his eyes open and open them easier once he does close them.